New WEEOC initiative in Du Quoin all about helping local vets
The Western Egyptian Equal Opportunity Center will start a program next week to help Perry County veterans get the help they need.
The Reaching Rural Veterans Initiative is designed to reduce food insecurity among veterans and their families, and connect them with community resources. It also wants to increase the number of veterans enrolled in VA services, and will encourage vets to avail themselves of local, faith-based organizations that provide support.
Rena Sterrett, a community outreach specialist with the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, said a pilot program run in five Indiana counties and five Kentucky counties had success in finding veterans and matching them up with the services they most needed.
Now, the Institute is expanding the Reaching Rural Veterans initiatives to Perry, Saline and Union counties in southern Illinois, and Fulton and Effingham counties in central Illinois. The U of I Extension Service helped the Institute identify the Illinois counties that most needed the service.
Starting at the WEEOC's weekly drive-through food pantry from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, workers will identify veterans in line for food, and ask other visitors if they know of a local veteran who needs assistance.
Workers will hand out flyers from multiple agencies and organizations in and around Perry County, describing the services they offer.
"We have a lot of veterans in Perry County and we want to help them get the resources they need, especially with COVID going on," said Ashley Greer, community service coordinator for the WEEOC in Du Quoin.
According to a recent American Community Survey, there were nearly 1,400 male veterans in Perry County in 2019, and 94 female veterans. Sterrett said that makes Perry County a good place to expand the Reaching Rural Veterans initiative. Moreover, they wanted counties with at least 100 low-income candidates, and Perry County fits there, too.
Greer says she excited about doing something special for the veterans of Perry County.
"It's really hard for some people to ask for help, and if you were in the military you are more of a serving person, not someone who asks for help," Greer said.
"There are so many services available for our veterans, but if you aren't getting outside because of COVID, you aren't finding them," she added.
"These men and women served our country."
Veterans and their families who attend the March 18 event will get information about benefits such as:
In-person counseling, telehealth counseling and emergency care
Assistance with filing claims for benefits
Providing families with a better understanding of veteran trauma, combat stress, civilian life transition, PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Getting discounted purchases and services.
The Reaching Rural Veterans event will be repeated every Thursday at WEEOC from March 18 to Nov. 18. Hours are 1 to 3 p.m.
Reaching Rural Veterans is a collaborative effort among local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members.
Addressing a military family's needs for food, shelter, employment, and access to VA benefits is an important step in establishing stronger bonds between community organizations and the military and veteran population, they say.
Greer said she knows how veterans think. "They'll sit back and say, 'Don't give it to me, because someone worse off needs it,'" she said. "Don't think like that. If someone needs our help, they'll be here. We have enough for all of you."